West Ham sign Maiga from Sochaux

18 July 2012 08:17

English Premier League new boys West Ham announced Wednesday they had signed Mali forward Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a long-term deal.

Maiga, who can play as a centre forward or on the wing, joined the Hammers for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal, with an option for a further two years at the east London club.

The 24-year-old, long linked with a move to English football, told West Ham's website: "I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United.

"I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing them.

"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here.

"I know some of the big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier League."

Maiga was West Ham's fifth signing since they gained promotion by winning the second-tier Championship play-off final, following Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson to Upton Park.

Bamako-born Maiga stared his career with Stade Malien in his homeland aged 15, before moving on to Moroccan club Raja Casablanca in 2004.

He joined Ligue 1 side Le Mans three years later and then moved on to Sochaux, netting 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux. He managed nine in 23 league appearances last term.